The stuff you need in 2009, whether you’re 10K training or triathlon training

Elite athletes take their gear very seriously and traditionally set aside time during the off-season to try out new gear and integrate it into their training. Why not take a page from the pros and upgrade your gear this year? Below are some options to consider.

Run Speed and Distance Device

There are two basic types of devices that track running speed and distance, both of which measure distance with better than 98-percent accuracy. GPS-based devices communicate with satellites to determine your location, direction, and speed as you run. Accelerometer-based devices use a sensor worn on the foot to measure speed and distance. Leading brands include Garmin, Polar, and Timex. Many units are bundled with a heart-rate monitor. Expect to pay roughly $150 for a good, basic model.

New Generation Running Shoes

The main purpose of running shoes is to prevent injuries. Yet despite all the advancements in running shoe design over the past 30 years, the injury rate among runners has not changed. Some running biomechanics experts believe that certain running shoes actually increase injury risk because their elevated heel alters normal (i.e. barefoot) stride mechanics. In response, some running shoe manufacturers are now making lighter, lower-profile running footwear that is designed to facilitate a more natural running stride and thereby reduce injury risk. Examples of such new-generation running shoes include the Adidas Adizero Ace, the Avia Avi-Bolt, the Ecco Biom, and the Nike Free.

Bike Power Meter

Power is the purest measurement of work output on the bike. It is a function of the amount of force you apply to the pedals with your feet and your pedaling cadence. Monitoring your power output on the bike gives you more reliable information about your training intensity and fitness progress than heart rate and speed. That’s why virtually all professional cyclists now train with power meters on their bikes. The leading makers of bike power meters are Ergomo, Polar, PowerTap, and SRM. Be forewarned: They’re not cheap! The most affordable units cost roughly $350 and high-end models could top $2,300.

Compression Tights

Compression tights, which are sort of like pantyhose for cyclists, fit so snugly that they actually squeeze the muscles and blood vessels, increasing return blood flow from the lower extremities to the heart. Research has shown that compression tights reduce perceived exertion and blood lactate levels during cycling. Popular brands of cycling compression tights include 2XU, Skins, and Zoot. Prices start at approximately $100.

Stroke-Rate Pacing Device

A stroke-rate pacing device is a small tool that fits under your swim cap and beeps at an interval that you set, working like a waterproof metronome. You can use a stroke-rate pacing device to determine your most efficient stroke rate at a given pace. All you have to do is perform a set of fixed-length swim intervals at different stroke rates—using the device to set the tempo for each—and record your split times. The stroke rate associated with your fastest split is your most efficient stroke rate for that distance. Currently there is only one stroke-rate pacing device on the market: the FINIS Tempo Trainer, which goes for about $30.

Skin Suit

Skin suits are swim suits that cover much more body surface area than conventional swimsuits and are made with special fabrics and designs that decrease water resistance during swimming. The incredible number of swimming world records that have been broken since the skin suit revolution is a testament to their effectiveness. There are two basic types of skin suits: tights, which cover the entire legs, and full suits, which cover the legs (only to the knee in some designs) and the torso. Tights start at roughly $150 and full suits at $250. Popular brands include Speedo and Tyr.